Christmas Salad With Pomegranate and Feta (Easy Holiday Salad)

Holiday dinners are full of rich, cozy dishes, so I always like to add one fresh, bright salad to the table. This Christmas salad with pomegranate and feta is the one I come back to every year.

It’s made with crisp greens, juicy red pomegranate seeds, creamy white feta, sweet pear slices and crunchy pecans. A quick honey Dijon dressing ties it all together. The red and green colors make it look like Christmas in a bowl.

It takes about 15 minutes, and most of it can be prepped ahead. I love how it cuts through heavy mains and makes the whole plate feel lighter.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Salad

• So festive. Bright red pomegranate and green leaves look beautiful on the table.
• Ready in 15 minutes. No cooking needed.
• Sweet, salty and crunchy. Every bite has a little of everything.
• Easy homemade dressing. Shake it in a jar in seconds.
• Balances rich mains. Perfect next to ham, beef or roast chicken.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The exact amounts are in the recipe card at the end of this post. Here’s a quick guide.

• Mixed greens: Spring mix, baby spinach, arugula or a blend of all three.
• Pomegranate seeds: Buy them ready to use or seed a whole pomegranate.
• Feta cheese: Creamy and salty. Goat cheese is a lovely swap.
• Pear or apple: Adds sweetness and crunch.
• Pecans: Toasted or candied. Walnuts or pistachios also work.
• Dressing: Olive oil, white balsamic or red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon and garlic.

How to Make Christmas Salad

1. Shake the dressing. Add all dressing ingredients to a jar and shake until creamy.
2. Build the base. Add greens to a big bowl or platter with red onion and pear slices.
3. Add the toppings. Scatter pomegranate seeds, feta and pecans over the top.
4. Dress and serve. Drizzle with dressing right before serving and toss gently.

My Tips for the Best Christmas Salad

• To seed a pomegranate, cut it in half and tap the back with a wooden spoon over a bowl.
• Toast the pecans in a dry skillet for 3 to 4 minutes for more flavor.
• Slice the pear last, or toss it with a little lemon juice so it doesn’t brown.
• Dress the salad at the very last minute so the greens stay crisp.

Variations to Try

• Cranberry: Add 1/4 cup dried cranberries.
• Citrus: Add orange or clementine segments.
• Heartier: Toss in cooked quinoa or wild rice.
• Kale salad: Use chopped kale massaged with a little dressing. It holds up for hours.

Make-Ahead, Storage and Reheating

• Make ahead: Make the dressing up to 1 week ahead. Seed the pomegranate up to 3 days ahead. Assemble the salad (without pear and dressing) up to 2 hours ahead and chill.
• Storage: Undressed salad keeps 1 day in the fridge. Dressed salad is best the same day.
• Reheating: Not needed. Serve cold.

What to Serve With It

This salad is the perfect fresh side for a rich holiday main. Serve it with my Easy Beef Wellington, a glazed ham or a roast chicken, along with warm rolls and a creamy potato dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad the day before? Prep all the parts the day before and keep them separate. Assemble and dress it just before serving.

Where do I find pomegranate seeds? Most grocery stores sell them in cups in the produce section during the holidays.

What can I use instead of feta? Goat cheese, blue cheese or shaved Parmesan all work well.

How much salad do I need per person? Plan on about 1 cup of greens per person as a side salad.

One Last Thing

This Christmas salad with pomegranate and feta brings color and freshness to any holiday table. If you make it, please leave a comment and a star rating below. And save it to your Christmas recipes board on Pinterest!